Nichrut off to winning start
Nichrut ......................................................................1 Mutare City ...............................................................0 PREMIERSHIP new boys Nichrut were the first side to score in the 2018 season when Spencer Masunda thrust them ahead in the 22nd minute through a free kick that beat Mutare City goalkeeper Alfred Chiname all systems out in a cloudy and cold Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane yesterday.
The John Nyikadzino-coached Shurugwi-based outfit was awarded a free kick following an impediment just outside the box to former Tsholotsho skipper Nkosilathi Moyo, resulting in referee Arnold Ncube blowing his whistle for the infringement.
Despite being a goal down, the Mutare-based side gave it their all and with a bit of luck could have gone back home with maximum points but lady luck was not on their side and coach Joseph Takaringofa conceded as such.
“This should have been our game, we were just unfortunate in front of goal but it’s something which I think we can work on,” said Takaringofa.
Nichrut lived on the edge especially in the second half as they took everything that their opponents gave to them with skipper David Boriwondo leading from the front.
In the 70th minute Boriwondo denied Mutare City what looked like an obvious goal when he headed a full bloodied Piniel Gumbo shot off the line with his goalkeeper Tafadzwa Jabangwe a beaten man.
Tafadzwa Jabangwe, Bruce Gurure, Spencer Masunda, David Boriwondo, Ephraim Mwinga, Bruno Madanire, Nkosilathi Moyo, Nigel Mpinduki, Victor Moyo (Farai Vimisayi 61st min) , Shepherd Sithole (Asani Nhongo 90+2mins), James Chivasa( Andrew Kanchwanchwa 80th min) Gerald Bhero, Talent Sande, Tatenda Hapazari, Kuda Sibanda, Alfred Chiname, Piniel Gumbo, Kumbulani Njovo, Joseph Chitawire, Themba Ndlovu, Jefrey Takunda, Kelvin Bingala (Billy Veremu 86thmin) , Tnashe Kabanda (Brian Chinhoyi 56th min), Takunda Sadiki (Fortune Bhinzi 67th min), Malvin Moyo, Washington Pakamisa Bezel Mukunyadze, Watch Mafa, David Mangezi, Gift Jimu.